DHS: Red Cross Is Best Way To Help

Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 6:29 AM

(Undated) - Many people from around the tri-state have been wondering how to help victims of Friday's tornado outbreak.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says the best assistance that can be offered by the public is with cash donations to local branches of the American Red Cross:

The single best way to help disaster survivors in southeastern Indiana is with a cash donation to a legitimate relief agency, such as the American Red Cross, operating in the area. The type and amount of items needed can change hourly in pace with the rapidly evolving emergency situation. Cash is far more flexible than goods and allows voluntary agencies to more quickly acquire the supplies needed to address the most urgent needs.

Well-meaning individuals who show up to help without prior contact or coordination with disaster management personnel in southern Indiana can further complicate or even hinder response and recovery operations already underway.

For more information about other ways to help, go to www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/howtohelp.

Local branches of the American Red Cross:

-Dearborn and Ohio counties - http://www.redcrossdoc.org/

-Jefferson County - http://www.jeffersoncountyredcross.org/

-Ripley County - http://www.redcross.ripleycounty.net/

-Switzerland County - http://www.switzerland-county.com/red-cross/